O Thanasis in Athens - My Favorite Restaurant in the World!

Yes! Demetrius & I bought our plane tickets for three glorious weeks in Greece coming up in August. I can't wait! We'll spend some time in Limnos, Crete, Lesvos, and of course Athens. Two days in Athens is enough time to eat at O Thanasis at least twice, like I did my last visit to Athens. I could eat there twice a day. . . . Oh, Thanasis! They hands down have the best souvlaki/kebabs in the world. I know what you're thinking . . . What, gluten-free? Yes, without the pita. It is as simple as that. No worries - endoxi!

Thanasis is located in centrally at the corner of Monastiraki Square, where more of the local scene happens (as opposed to the touristy Plaka). It is always busy. Always. Getting a table either inside or outside proves itself to be a team effort. Their menu is very short, consisting of the Greek basics: horiatiki (Greek salad), tzatziki, souvlaki kalamaki (shish kebab) served with pita bread and perfect french fries. Need to be gluten free? No problem, just order the kebabs without pita. Who needs extra bread anyway with these beauties? Just look at this picuture.

What make Thanasis so addictive? Maybe the crack they put in the kebabs? LOL. The quality of ingredients combined with the simplicity they cook is key. First off, no filler are in the kebabs - just beef, lamb, pork, nutmeg, cumin and other secret spices. The kebabs and tomatoes are grilled to perfection with some sweet carmelization. Even the red onions are perfectly prepared: shredded transparently thin and soaked in cold water removing the bite and served with chopped parsley. The french fries are another highlight, fried to perfection with the crispy outside and tender inside. The produce is sourced locally and screams flavor. One interesting observation I made on the table was no pepper, instead it is paprika. Very colorful. This place is worth the wait. In the meantime, D&I will try to recreate this gluten free goodness on the grill.

-Erin Swing
The Sensitive Epicure